Clergy—Removal - Part 2

Key point 2-04.1. Most courts have concluded that they are barred by the first amendment guarantees of religious freedom and nonestablishment of religion from resolving challenges by dismissed clergy to the legal validity of their dismissals.

Termination

* The Virginia Supreme Court declined to resolve a dispute over the removal of a minister. An associate minister ("Jay") attended a meeting with members of his congregation in which members discussed their belief that an independent auditor should be hired to investigate possible financial improprieties by several church leaders and members involving church funds. Jay agreed with other church members that an independent auditor should be hired and the church's financial records disclosed. Other members (the "dissidents") warned Jay that he would be fired if he did not change his position. When he refused to comply, the ...